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High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
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High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This creamy and flavorful broccoli cheddar soup is a secretly healthy twist on a classic comfort food. Packed with 20 grams of protein per serving, it’s a satisfying and nutritious option for lunch or dinner that doesn’t sacrifice on taste.
Servings: 2 cups
Calories: 343kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 2 large carrots peeled and diced
  • 1 stalk celery diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour, if needed
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3 cups vegetable broth preferably "not-chicken" style
  • 4 cups chopped broccoli
  • 2 cups 1% milk
  • 4 oz cheddar cheese shredded (about 1 cup)
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese blended until smooth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Sauté Vegetables:

  • Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened.

Add Garlic and Spices:

  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, sprinkle the smoked paprika and flour over the vegetables, stirring well to coat. Cook for an additional minute.

Add Broth and Broccoli:

  • Pour in the vegetable broth and add the chopped broccoli. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 8–9 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

Add Milk and Cheese:

  • Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk, blended cottage cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated. Be careful not to let the soup boil, as high heat can cause the milk to curdle.

Blend for Creaminess:

  • Transfer 1 cup of soup to a blender and blend until smooth, allowing steam to escape through the vent. Return the blended soup to the pot and stir to combine. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to gently blend a portion of the soup for a creamier texture while leaving some chunks intact.

Season and Serve:

  • Taste the soup and add salt and pepper, as needed. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Thickness: The soup is naturally thick with 3 cups of broth, but you can add an extra cup if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Cottage Cheese Tip: Blending cottage cheese creates a velvety texture and boosts protein without using heavy cream.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar works best for bold flavor, but feel free to increase the cheese amount to your liking!
Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent curdling.
Freezing: This soup freezes well, though the texture may change slightly due to the dairy. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently to enjoy.